Paracetamol, widely regarded as a safe and effective pain reliever, may not be as harmless as perceived for older individuals.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Nottingham reveals that repeated use of paracetamol among people aged 65 and over can increase the risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney-related complications.
Published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, the study calls for caution when prescribing paracetamol for chronic pain conditions, particularly in the elderly.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis often require long-term pain management, and the findings suggest that regular paracetamol use should be re-evaluated for this demographic.
The research, spearheaded by Professor Weiya Zhang from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Nottingham, analysed data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink-Gold.
This extensive study focused on individuals aged 65 and above, with an average participant age of 75, who had been registered with a UK general practice for at least one year between 1998 and 2018.
The researchers examined the health records of 180,483 older adults who had been prescribed paracetamol repeatedly—defined as at least two prescriptions within six months.
These records were compared with those of 402,478 individuals of the same age who had no history of repeated paracetamol prescriptions.
The findings revealed that prolonged use of paracetamol was linked to an increased risk of peptic ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.
These health risks highlight the potential complications of relying on paracetamol for long-term pain management in older people.
Professor Zhang emphasised the need for further investigation to confirm these results. He also noted that, given paracetamol’s limited pain-relief effects, its use as a first-line treatment for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis in older individuals requires careful consideration.
This study adds to growing concerns about the safety of common medications in ageing populations. Paracetamol has long been preferred for its reputation as a mild and non-addictive painkiller.
However, these findings suggest that healthcare providers may need to rethink its widespread use in managing chronic pain among the elderly.
As the population ages, managing pain effectively and safely becomes increasingly important. Older adults often experience multiple health conditions, making them more vulnerable to the side effects of medications.
This research underscores the importance of personalised treatment approaches, where the risks and benefits of any medication are carefully weighed.
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